Nearly 10 years ago, I witnessed my community come together in defense of a family that had been torn apart. A migrant farm worker had been detained and deported to El Salvador, leaving his wife and three children behind, the youngest only six months old.

Our community came together because these people were not “illegals,” or “trespassers” — they were our neighbors, our community members and, most importantly, our friends. Their kids went to school with me and my brothers, and they worked for businesses that supported our local economy.

Today, I join 1,500 women from all over the country in a fast to urge Congress and President Obama to end the millions of deportations that are tearing families apart. They have the power to advance immigration reform, yet they stand by idly, accepting no responsibility or accountability for turning the lives of millions upside-down.

Vermont is home to over 1,500 migrant workers and their families, and not a single one of them should have to live in fear of being taken away from their loved ones. As a community, we should be insisting that our local law enforcement comply with Vermont’s Bias Free Policing Law, instead of helping immigration enforcement take caregivers and mothers away from their children.

Today, I am fasting to show Congress and the president that I am not afraid to stand up for what’s right. Maybe then, they will find the courage to do the same.